Invasive Species

Invasive species are perhaps the greatest stressor currently facing the Great Lakes. Established invaders like zebra and quagga mussels, round gobies, and sea lamprey have had devastating ecological and economic impacts, costing the Great Lakes region over $200 million each year in control and mitigation. The potential for new invaders like Asian carp to cause further disruption highlights the need for science-based decision making that proactively protects the Great Lakes ecosystem from future invasions. With our partners at the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, CIGLR is committed to developing information products, predictive models, and strategies to combat and manage invasive species in the Great Lakes region. LEARN MORE